Chapter 48: The Madwoman

Jinghua Hospital was a renowned private hospital in the southern city, ranking among the very best in both facilities and services. Most importantly, it offered exceptional privacy, with regulated visiting and consultation hours and strict security—qualities that made it a favorite among the city's elite and dignitaries.

Shen Huaijing arrived at the hospital fully disguised—hat, mask, sunglasses, not a single detail missing. Thankfully, it was late October; otherwise, she would have been stifled by the heat. She wasn’t a celebrity, so why was all this necessary?

Tugging discreetly at Fu Chen’s sleeve, Shen Huaijing grumbled, “Why do I have to dress like this?” She irritably pulled at the black mask covering her mouth.

Fu Chen glanced at her sidelong, slowing his pace as he replied in a low voice, “Mother said that before three months, no one should know, especially the media.”

Looking at Ke Jing, who walked ahead, Shen Huaijing couldn't suppress her irritation. “I don’t have to do anything in there, right?”

“No, just follow the doctor’s instructions, and handle the rest as you see fit.” Fu Chen suddenly squeezed her hand, as if offering reassurance.

Shen Huaijing subtly tried to pull her hand back, but Fu Chen noticed and, his expression growing colder, gripped her hand even more firmly in his large palm.

On the outside, Fu Chen seemed distant and aloof, but the warmth of his hand seeped into Shen Huaijing’s cold fingers, a gentle heat flowing straight to her heart.

Soon, they reached the consultation room. Ke Jing beckoned to Shen Huaijing, and as Fu Chen was about to follow, Ke Jing predictably barred his way.

“Chen, there are things about pregnancy you men can’t possibly understand. It’s best if you wait outside,” Ke Jing said soothingly, gently guiding him out.

“Alright, I understand, Mother. Take good care of Huaijing.” Fu Chen’s brow furrowed with worry as he looked back at Shen Huaijing inside.

Shen Huaijing, far from grateful, took the opportunity to roll her eyes at him when no one was looking.

Once she had settled Fu Chen outside, Ke Jing quickly entered the consultation room and greeted the doctor.

“Dr. Wang, it’s been a long time. Before we came, Heniang specifically instructed that only you should examine our daughter-in-law.” Ke Jing smiled politely, her words both a compliment and a pointed reminder.

Dr. Wang, an elderly man of about sixty with a full head of white hair, still looked vigorous, his eyes bright and features taut.

“It truly has been a while. Is Master Fu still in good health? If there’s ever an issue, he must come in for a checkup,” Dr. Wang said heartily.

Ke Jing waved her hand dismissively and pulled Shen Huaijing to sit across from Dr. Wang. “Heniang is quite well. Today, we’d like you to confirm if our daughter-in-law is pregnant. Heniang trusts only you.”

Removing her disguise, Shen Huaijing offered a polite smile. “Thank you for your trouble, Dr. Wang.”

Dr. Wang nodded solemnly and summoned a young nurse, whispering a few instructions in her ear.

Gently, he said to Shen Huaijing, “Please go with her for a blood test,” gesturing toward the nurse.

Obediently, Shen Huaijing followed the nurse, and as she stepped out, her eyes met Fu Chen’s. The nurse stole a furtive glance at Fu Chen and quickly lowered her gaze.

“What, do you think Fu Chen is handsome?” Shen Huaijing immediately caught the nurse’s little expression and teased her with a raised brow.

The nurse startled, eyes fixed on the floor, and stammered, “Madam Fu… no, I just looked by accident.”

Shen Huaijing couldn’t help but laugh; the nurse must have thought she was jealous, as if she would gouge her eyes out for a single glance.

“What are you afraid of? I’m not that petty,” Shen Huaijing said lightly. She had no desire to be known as a jealous shrew.

Seeing Shen Huaijing truly wasn’t angry, the nurse gathered her courage and admitted, “Yes… he is quite handsome.”

Feeling playful, Shen Huaijing leaned in, feigning secrecy. “Actually… he’s quite perverse in some ways.”

The nurse gasped, eyes wide with disbelief. “Ah…”

As they approached the phlebotomy window, Shen Huaijing’s expression cooled. “Is it here?” she asked curtly.

The nurse, still reeling from the previous remark, momentarily forgot herself, trying to imagine what kind of perversion Fu Chen might harbor. In the next instant, Shen Huaijing seemed transformed—her face icy and remote.

Remembering Dr. Wang’s instructions, the nurse hurried to speak with the phlebotomist.

“Madam Fu, please sit here,” she directed, seating Shen Huaijing at the farthest spot.

Shen Huaijing had never been afraid of needles; in fact, she had the odd habit of insisting on watching them go in. The nurse was taken aback—she had dealt with many daughters of wealthy families, and all of them were either haughty or in tears at the sight of a needle.

Only Shen Huaijing stared at the needle with a blank face, which the nurse found hard to comprehend.

After the blood draw, Shen Huaijing and the nurse returned to the consultation room. It wasn’t long before the test results arrived.

Dr. Wang studied the report carefully, while Ke Jing, unable to contain herself, tapped her heels impatiently on the floor, a sound that grated on Shen Huaijing’s nerves.

Finally, Dr. Wang’s face broke into a broad smile as he set the report on the table. “She’s been pregnant for a month and a half—all indicators are normal. Congratulations to you and Master Fu.”

Ke Jing forced a smile, took the report, and examined it closely. “Are you sure there’s no problem? Can you tell if it’s a boy or girl yet?”

Dr. Wang burst out laughing. “Madam, you’re too impatient! It’s impossible to tell so soon. But after all my years as a doctor, I can say with certainty that she’s pregnant—there’s no mistake.”

Nodding awkwardly, Ke Jing bid the doctor farewell and led Shen Huaijing out.

Fu Chen hurried to support Shen Huaijing, while Ke Jing, without a word, shot Fu Chen a deep look and walked ahead of them.

“Your mother probably won’t believe it; she took the report with her,” Shen Huaijing murmured.

“Let her. It doesn’t matter who she shows it to,” Fu Chen replied, lips pressed into a thin line, his dark eyes cold and unfathomable.

Suddenly, a woman burst out of nowhere and collided straight into Shen Huaijing. Fortunately, Fu Chen reacted quickly, or she would surely have been knocked to the ground.

Several nurses rushed over in pursuit and, seeing Fu Chen, immediately bowed and apologized.

Fu Chen’s expression turned icy as he glared at them, anger simmering in his eyes. “Does Jinghua Hospital want to close its doors? If anything happens to my wife today, you’ll all be out on the street!”

His voice, though not loud, carried such authority that the very air seemed to freeze.

“My daughter! Huihui! Don’t you recognize your mother?” The subdued madwoman on the ground suddenly screamed at Shen Huaijing.

Shen Huaijing gasped, standing behind Fu Chen as she stared in disbelief at the deranged woman pinned to the floor by security and nurses. Almost unconsciously, her steps drew her closer to the commotion.